Revolv vs. Other Mobile Home Furnace Brands Why Tony Chose Style Crest

When you’re shopping for a new mobile home furnace, you’ll quickly notice there aren’t dozens of brands to pick from. In fact, only a handful make furnaces designed and certified for HUD-manufactured housing.

The most common names you’ll see are:

  • Revolv (by Style Crest)

  • Miller

  • Coleman

  • Intertherm

Each has its strengths. Some are built for higher efficiency, others for lower cost, and some focus on easy parts replacement.

So why did I (Tony) go with a Revolv MG1E 80 AFUE 56,000 BTU Downflow Furnace for my own home? Let’s break it down.


🏷️ The Big Players in Mobile Home Furnaces

Here’s a quick overview of the top brands:

🔹 Revolv (by Style Crest)

  • Specializes in mobile home HVAC equipment.

  • Known for straightforward sizing and HUD-approved designs.

  • Offers furnaces, AC coils, and packaged units.

🔹 Miller

  • Long-time mobile home furnace brand.

  • Manufactured by Nortek.

  • Offers both 80 AFUE and 95 AFUE gas models.

🔹 Coleman

  • A household name in HVAC.

  • Mobile home models are typically higher-priced.

  • Wide service network, but replacement parts can be costly.

🔹 Intertherm

  • Sister brand to Miller, also under Nortek.

  • Popular in the Midwest and Southeast.

  • Similar designs to Miller, often cross-compatible parts.

👉 Bottom line: all four brands are HUD-compliant. The differences come down to price, efficiency, fit, and serviceability.

HUD Manufactured Home HVAC Standards.


📏 Fit & HUD Compliance

The #1 factor in mobile home furnaces is fit. These aren’t basements with unlimited space — we’re talking about narrow utility closets.

  • Revolv MG1E: Designed for direct replacement in most older and newer mobile homes. It sits right on the plenum, no modifications needed.

  • Miller & Intertherm: Also fit most mobile homes, but some models may require plenum adjustments.

  • Coleman: Higher-end models sometimes need custom venting or clearance adjustments.

👉 Why I liked Revolv: The furnace slid into place without me tearing apart the closet. In mobile homes, fit = less installation hassle.


🌡️ Efficiency Ratings Compared

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is the key metric.

  • Revolv MG1E → 80 AFUE (80% of fuel becomes usable heat).

  • Miller → 80 AFUE and some 95 AFUE options.

  • Intertherm → Same as Miller (80 & 95 AFUE).

  • Coleman → Wide range, from 80 AFUE to 96% AFUE.

What the numbers mean:

  • At 80 AFUE, for every $1 of gas you burn, $0.80 heats your home, $0.20 is lost through venting.

  • At 95 AFUE, only $0.05 is lost.

👉 High efficiency = lower utility bills, but comes with higher upfront cost.

For my climate (Ohio), the ROI on a high-efficiency mobile home furnace didn’t make sense. With Revolv’s 80 AFUE, I get reliable heat at a lower purchase price.

DOE – Furnace Efficiency Guide.


💸 Price & Value

Let’s talk dollars.

Brand Average Furnace Price (Unit Only) Installed Cost AFUE Options
Revolv $1,500–$2,000 $3,000–$4,500 80 AFUE
Miller $1,800–$2,400 $3,500–$5,000 80 & 95 AFUE
Intertherm $1,700–$2,300 $3,500–$5,000 80 & 95 AFUE
Coleman $2,000–$3,000 $4,000–$6,000 80–96 AFUE

👉 Revolv often comes in hundreds less than Coleman or Miller, especially at the 80 AFUE level.

If you’re staying in your mobile home 10+ years in a cold climate, a 95 AFUE Miller or Intertherm might pay off. But for many owners, Revolv offers the best upfront value.

Furnace Installation Costs.


🔧 Ease of Installation & Parts Availability

Revolv

  • Built specifically for mobile homes.

  • Installers often comment on how easy the MG1E fits the plenum.

  • Parts are widely available through Style Crest’s distribution network.

Miller & Intertherm

  • Also mobile-home specific.

  • Parts available, but some models use components that can take longer to ship.

Coleman

  • Strong service network, but parts can be more expensive.

👉 For me, having easy-to-find replacement parts was huge. Style Crest distributors make Revolv parts readily available.


🛠️ Maintenance & Longevity

All major brands last about 15–20 years with regular maintenance.

  • Revolv furnaces are simple, single-stage units — fewer parts to break.

  • Coleman higher-efficiency models have more complex components (condensate pumps, PVC venting) that may need more frequent service.

  • Miller and Intertherm are middle ground: reliable, but not as simple as Revolv’s MG1E.

Tony’s tip:

“Simplicity is a form of reliability. The fewer things that can break, the longer your furnace lasts.”

EnergyStar – Furnace Maintenance.


🔇 Noise & Comfort

  • Revolv MG1E: Standard single-stage blower. Noise is noticeable but not loud.

  • Miller & Intertherm: Similar noise levels in their 80 AFUE models.

  • Coleman High-Efficiency: Quieter variable-speed options, but at a higher cost.

👉 For most mobile homes, single-stage comfort is fine. If you want “whisper-quiet,” you’ll pay a premium.


👨🔧 Tony’s Story: Why I Chose Revolv

When I was replacing my old furnace, here’s what I looked at:

  • Fit: Didn’t want to rebuild my closet or plenum → Revolv fit perfectly.

  • Price: Came in $500 cheaper than the next closest competitor.

  • Parts: Style Crest distributors are common in my area → easy replacement if needed.

  • Reliability: 80 AFUE single-stage = fewer moving parts, less to break.

My take:

“Coleman and Miller make good products, no doubt. But for the balance of cost, fit, and simplicity, Revolv was the clear winner for me.”


📊 Comparison Chart

Feature Revolv Miller Intertherm Coleman
AFUE 80% 80–95% 80–95% 80–96%
Price $ $$ $$ $$$
Fit Excellent (mobile-home specific) Good Good Sometimes requires mods
Parts Availability Easy via Style Crest Moderate Moderate Widely available, costly
Noise Standard Standard Standard Quieter high-end models
Warranty 10-year parts (with registration) 10-year parts 10-year parts 10-year parts

✅ Final Takeaway

All four brands — Revolv, Miller, Intertherm, and Coleman — are HUD-approved and reliable.

  • Choose Revolv if you want affordable, straightforward heating with easy installation.

  • Choose Miller/Intertherm if you want a 95 AFUE option for long-term gas savings.

  • Choose Coleman if you don’t mind paying more for high-end features and quieter operation.

👉 For me, the balance of cost, fit, and reliability made Revolv the right choice. It just works — without breaking the bank.



Tony’s toolbox talk

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